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Ngomba RT, Lüttjohann A, Dexter A, Ray S, van Luijtelaar G. The Metabotropic Glutamate 5 Receptor in Sleep and Wakefulness: Focus on the Cortico-Thalamo-Cortical Oscillations. Cells 2023; 12:1761. [PMID: 37443795 PMCID: PMC10341329 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sleep is an essential innate but complex behaviour which is ubiquitous in the animal kingdom. Our knowledge of the distinct neural circuit mechanisms that regulate sleep and wake states in the brain are, however, still limited. It is therefore important to understand how these circuits operate during health and disease. This review will highlight the function of mGlu5 receptors within the thalamocortical circuitry in physiological and pathological sleep states. We will also evaluate the potential of targeting mGlu5 receptors as a therapeutic strategy for sleep disorders that often co-occur with epileptic seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annika Lüttjohann
- Institute of Physiology I, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Aaron Dexter
- School of Pharmacy, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK
| | - Swagat Ray
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK
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Mukherjee S, Manahan-Vaughan D. Role of metabotropic glutamate receptors in persistent forms of hippocampal plasticity and learning. Neuropharmacology 2013; 66:65-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2012.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2012] [Revised: 05/31/2012] [Accepted: 06/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Cavas M, Scesa G, Navarro JF. Effects of MPEP, a selective metabotropic glutamate mGlu5 ligand, on sleep and wakefulness in the rat. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2013; 40:18-25. [PMID: 23022670 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2012.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2012] [Revised: 09/18/2012] [Accepted: 09/18/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlu) have been implicated in the regulation of physiological and behavioral processes. Pharmacological evidence involves group I mGlu receptors in the regulation of emotional states and antagonism of these receptors has been proposed as a novel class of anxiolytic drugs having also antidepressant effects. Here, the effects of mGlu5 receptor selective modulation on sleep and wake states are explored. 32 male Wistar rats were implanted with electrodes for recording sleep and wake states. 2-Methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine hydrochloride (MPEP hydrochloride, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, i.p.), a potent, selective and systemically active mGlu5 receptor negative allosteric modulator, or vehicle was administered 1 h after the beginning of the light period. Sleep recordings were conducted for 3 h. MPEP (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) significantly suppressed rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, decreasing the number of episodes and mean episode duration, and increased its latency. A reduction of light and deep slow wave sleep (SWS) latency was observed in the groups receiving 10 or 20 mg/kg, increasing latency to first wakefulness episode. 10 mg/kg of MPEP also increased non rapid eye movement sleep (NREM). The present results suggest that mGlu5 receptors might be involved in sleep regulation, more specifically in REM sleep, and drugs that block these receptors could potentially benefit the treatment of pathologies were REM sleep is enhanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Cavas
- Department of Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, Campus de Teatinos s/n, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain.
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Hovelsø N, Sotty F, Montezinho LP, Pinheiro PS, Herrik KF, Mørk A. Therapeutic potential of metabotropic glutamate receptor modulators. Curr Neuropharmacol 2012; 10:12-48. [PMID: 22942876 PMCID: PMC3286844 DOI: 10.2174/157015912799362805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2010] [Revised: 01/10/2011] [Accepted: 03/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS) and is a major player in complex brain functions. Glutamatergic transmission is primarily mediated by ionotropic glutamate receptors, which include NMDA, AMPA and kainate receptors. However, glutamate exerts modulatory actions through a family of metabotropic G-protein-coupled glutamate receptors (mGluRs). Dysfunctions of glutamatergic neurotransmission have been implicated in the etiology of several diseases. Therefore, pharmacological modulation of ionotropic glutamate receptors has been widely investigated as a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of several disorders associated with glutamatergic dysfunction. However, blockade of ionotropic glutamate receptors might be accompanied by severe side effects due to their vital role in many important physiological functions. A different strategy aimed at pharmacologically interfering with mGluR function has recently gained interest. Many subtype selective agonists and antagonists have been identified and widely used in preclinical studies as an attempt to elucidate the role of specific mGluRs subtypes in glutamatergic transmission. These studies have allowed linkage between specific subtypes and various physiological functions and more importantly to pathological states. This article reviews the currently available knowledge regarding the therapeutic potential of targeting mGluRs in the treatment of several CNS disorders, including schizophrenia, addiction, major depressive disorder and anxiety, Fragile X Syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Hovelsø
- Department of Neurophysiology, H. Lundbeck A/S, Ottiliavej 9, 2500 Copenhagen-Valby, Denmark
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Ngomba RT, Santolini I, Salt TE, Ferraguti F, Battaglia G, Nicoletti F, van Luijtelaar G. Metabotropic glutamate receptors in the thalamocortical network: strategic targets for the treatment of absence epilepsy. Epilepsia 2011; 52:1211-22. [PMID: 21569017 DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2011.03082.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors are positioned at synapses of the thalamocortical network that underlie the development of spike-and-wave discharges (SWDs) associated with absence epilepsy. The modulatory role of individual mGlu receptor subtypes on excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission in the cortico-thalamo-cortical circuitry makes subtype-selective mGlu receptor ligands potential candidates as novel antiabsence drugs. Some of these compounds are under clinical development for the treatment of numerous neurologic and psychiatric disorders, and might be soon available for clinical studies in patients with absence seizures refractory to conventional medications. Herein we review the growing evidence that links mGlu receptors to the pathophysiology of pathologic SWDs moving from the anatomic localization and function of distinct mGlu receptor subtypes in the cortico-thalamo-cortical network to in vivo studies in mouse and rat models of absence epilepsy.
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Cortical layer 1 and layer 2/3 astrocytes exhibit distinct calcium dynamics in vivo. PLoS One 2008; 3:e2525. [PMID: 18575586 PMCID: PMC2424136 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0002525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2008] [Accepted: 05/28/2008] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cumulative evidence supports bidirectional interactions between astrocytes and neurons, suggesting glial involvement of neuronal information processing in the brain. Cytosolic calcium (Ca(2+)) concentration is important for astrocytes as Ca(2+) surges co-occur with gliotransmission and neurotransmitter reception. Cerebral cortex is organized in layers which are characterized by distinct cytoarchitecture. We asked if astrocyte-dominant layer 1 (L1) of the somatosensory cortex was different from layer 2/3 (L2/3) in spontaneous astrocytic Ca(2+) activity and if it was influenced by background neural activity. Using a two-photon laser scanning microscope, we compared spontaneous Ca(2+) activity of astrocytic somata and processes in L1 and L2/3 of anesthetized mature rat somatosensory cortex. We also assessed the contribution of background neural activity to the spontaneous astrocytic Ca(2+) dynamics by investigating two distinct EEG states ("synchronized" vs. "de-synchronized" states). We found that astrocytes in L1 had nearly twice higher Ca(2+) activity than L2/3. Furthermore, Ca(2+) fluctuations of processes within an astrocyte were independent in L1 while those in L2/3 were synchronous. Pharmacological blockades of metabotropic receptors for glutamate, ATP, and acetylcholine, as well as suppression of action potentials did not have a significant effect on the spontaneous somatic Ca(2+) activity. These results suggest that spontaneous astrocytic Ca(2+) surges occurred in large part intrinsically, rather than neural activity-driven. Our findings propose a new functional segregation of layer 1 and 2/3 that is defined by autonomous astrocytic activity.
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Lea PM, Faden AI. Metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 antagonists MPEP and MTEP. CNS DRUG REVIEWS 2006; 12:149-66. [PMID: 16958988 PMCID: PMC6494124 DOI: 10.1111/j.1527-3458.2006.00149.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Glutamate regulates the function of central nervous system (CNS), in part, through the cAMP and/or IP3/DAG second messenger-associated metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). The mGluR5 antagonist 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)-pyridine (MPEP) has been extensively used to elucidate potential physiological and pathophysiological functions of mGluR5. Unfortunately, recent evidence indicates significant non-specific actions of MPEP, including inhibition of NMDA receptors. In contrast, in vivo and in vitro characterization of the newer mGluR5 antagonist 3-[(2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)ethynyl]pyridine (MTEP) indicates that it is more highly selective for mGluR5 over mGluR1, has no effect on other mGluR subtypes, and has fewer off-target effects than MPEP. This article reviews literature on both of these mGluR5 antagonists, which suggests their possible utility in neurodegeneration, addiction, anxiety and pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alan I. Faden
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
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Alexander GM, Godwin DW. Metabotropic glutamate receptors as a strategic target for the treatment of epilepsy. Epilepsy Res 2006; 71:1-22. [PMID: 16787741 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2006.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2006] [Accepted: 05/16/2006] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that has many known types, including generalized epilepsies that involve cortical and subcortical structures. A proportion of patients have seizures that are resistant to traditional anti-epilepsy drugs, which mainly target ion channels or postsynaptic receptors. This resistance to conventional therapies makes it important to identify novel targets for the treatment of epilepsy. Given the involvement of the neurotransmitter glutamate in the etiology of epilepsy, targets that control glutamatergic neurotransmission are of special interest. The metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are of a family of eight G-protein-coupled receptors that serve unique regulatory functions at synapses that use the neurotransmitter glutamate. Their distribution within the central nervous system provides a platform for both presynaptic control of glutamate release, as well as postsynaptic control of neuronal responses to glutamate. In recent years, substantial efforts have been made towards developing selective agonists and antagonists which may be useful for targeting specific receptor subtypes in an attempt to harness the therapeutic potential of these receptors. We examine the possibility of intervening at these receptors by considering the specific example of absence seizures, a form of generalized, non-convulsive seizure that involves the thalamus. Views of the etiology of absence seizures have evolved over time from the "centrencephalic" concept of a diffuse subcortical pacemaker toward the "cortical focus" theory in which cortical hyperexcitability leads the thalamus into the 3-4 Hz rhythms that are characteristic of absence seizures. Since the cortex communicates with the thalamus via a massive glutamatergic projection, ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR) blockade has held promise, but the global nature of iGluR intervention has precluded the clinical effectiveness of drugs that block iGluRs. In contrast, mGluRs, because they modulate iGluRs at glutamatergic synapses only under certain conditions, may quell seizure activity by selectively reducing hyperactive glutamatergic synaptic communication within the cortex and thalamus without significantly affecting normal response rates. In this article, we review the circuitry and events leading to absence seizure generation within the corticothalamic network, we present a comprehensive review of the synaptic location and function of mGluRs within the thalamus and cerebral cortex, and review the current knowledge of mGluR modulation and seizure generation. We conclude by reviewing the potential advantages of Group II mGluRs, specifically mGluR2, in the treatment of both convulsive and non-convulsive seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia M Alexander
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
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Zhu CZ, Hsieh G, Ei-Kouhen O, Wilson SG, Mikusa JP, Hollingsworth PR, Chang R, Moreland RB, Brioni J, Decker MW, Honore P. Role of central and peripheral mGluR5 receptors in post-operative pain in rats. Pain 2005; 114:195-202. [PMID: 15733645 DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2004.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2004] [Revised: 11/15/2004] [Accepted: 12/13/2004] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) have previously been shown to play a role in pain transmission during inflammatory or neuropathic pain states. However, the role of mGluR5 in post-operative pain remains to be fully investigated. The present study was conducted to characterize analgesic activity of 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)-pyridine (MPEP) in the skin-incision-induced post-operative pain model in rats. MPEP is a potent and selective mGluR5 antagonist with high affinity (K(i)=6.3+/-0.9 nM) in rat cortex using [(3)H]-MPEP as a radioligand, while not competing with the mGluR1-selective radioligand [(3)H]-R214127 (K(i)>10,000 nM) in rat cerebellum. Post-operative pain was examined 2 h following surgery using weight-bearing (WB) difference between injured and uninjured paws as a measure of non-evoked pain. In this model, MPEP, as morphine, showed dose-dependent effects and full efficacy after systemic administration (ED(50)=15 mg/kg, i.p. for MPEP, ED(50)=1.3 mg/kg, s.c. for morphine). In addition, intrathecal (i.t.) and intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) MPEP reduced WB difference (ED(50)=65 microg/rat i.t. and ED(50)=200 microg/rat i.c.v.). Interestingly, intraplantar (i.pl.) injection of MPEP either before or after surgery induced a similar reduction in WB difference (ED(50)=90 microg/rat, i.pl.) while contralateral i.pl. MPEP injection did not produce any effect. These results demonstrate that both peripheral and central mGluR5 receptors play a role in nociceptive transmission observed during post-operative pain. In addition, the data suggest that mGluR5 antagonists could offer a new therapeutic approach to the treatment of post-operative pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Z Zhu
- Neuroscience Research, Global Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL 60064-3500, USA.
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Urban MO, Hama AT, Bradbury M, Anderson J, Varney MA, Bristow L. Role of metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5) in the maintenance of cold hypersensitivity following a peripheral mononeuropathy in the rat. Neuropharmacology 2003; 44:983-93. [PMID: 12763091 DOI: 10.1016/s0028-3908(03)00118-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The present series of experiments were designed to examine the contribution of metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5) to neuropathic pain by determining the effects of the selective mGluR5 antagonist MPEP (2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)-pyridine) on neuropathy-induced cold hypersensitivity. Unilateral chronic constriction injury (CCI) to the sciatic nerve in rats produced an increase in the number of hind paw withdrawals from a cold surface (4 +/- 2 degrees C) which was dose-dependently inhibited by systemic (i.p.) injection of MPEP (ID(50) = 11.3 mg/kg). In vivo brain mGluR5 receptor occupancy following systemic (i.p.) MPEP revealed that >90% occupancy is required for behavioral efficacy. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of MPEP dose-dependently inhibited CCI-induced cold hypersensitivity (ID(50) = 123.5 nmol), while microinjection of MPEP directly into the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) potently inhibited this hypersensitivity (ID(50) = 1.3 pmol). A role for mGluR5 in the RVM was further supported by the observation that intra-RVM injection of the mGluR5 agonist CHPG (10 nmol; 2-chloro-5-hydroxyphenylglycine) produced cold hypersensitivity in naïve rats that was blocked by pretreatment with intra-RVM MPEP (3 nmol). Intrathecal (500 nmol; i.t.) or intraplantar (300 nmol; i.pl.) injection of MPEP was ineffective in reversing CCI-induced cold hypersensitivity. These results demonstrate that mGluR5 contributes to cold hypersensitivity following peripheral neuropathy exclusively at supraspinal sites in the CNS. Additionally, mGluR5 in the RVM significantly contributes to the maintenance of cold hypersensitivity, likely via activation of descending nociceptive facilitatory systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- M O Urban
- Department of Behavioral Pharmacology, Merck Research Laboratories, San Diego, CA 92121, USA.
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